São Paulo Geography and Climate

São Paulo is located on the Brazilian highland plateau around 800 meters above sea level though only 70 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. Towards the north of the city, higher elevations are prevalent with the Serra da Cantareira where the Atlantic rainforest also begins.  The two rivers that run through the city- Tietê and its tributary Pinheiros - are now grossly contaminated although a clean-up project is currently being embarked upon. Broadleaf evergreens are the native trees to the area, and these have been added to by various non-native species, most notably the eucalyptus.

São Paulo has a humid sub-tropical climate meaning that temperatures are rarely scorching. It can be drenched with rain in the summer months (Dec-Mar). It’s location on a plateau means that temperatures are usually moderate; they can drop below 15°C though this is unusual.